bobo343
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 16
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Post by bobo343 on May 27, 2019 10:27:54 GMT 9
I got in as a shortlist. I asked for Chiba shi, Yokohama shi and Kyoto shi. I got matsudo shi, Chiba ken. It’s very very close to my first preference. I have already received an email from my CO and it seems that I don’t really have a pred. One of the Japanese staffs sent me the email and he said there are only 6 of them. I’m just wondering that how common it is for them to find our accommodation? I think it's fairly common that they offer you your pred's place, but given that you don't have one it'd be hard to say for certain. My guess is that they'd help you find accommodation, but maybe given that CIRs have a grasp of Japanese that isn't expected of ALTs there might also be a chance to leave you to fend for yourself? Maybe to put your mind at ease a little you could browse some online real estate agents for your city before hand? However, you could also contact your CO directly if they've already contacted you and ask about the accommodation situation. |
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Iris
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 12
CIR Experience: 2nd year
Location: Chiba
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by Iris on May 27, 2019 10:35:16 GMT 9
I got in as a shortlist. I asked for Chiba shi, Yokohama shi and Kyoto shi. I got matsudo shi, Chiba ken. It’s very very close to my first preference. I have already received an email from my CO and it seems that I don’t really have a pred. One of the Japanese staffs sent me the email and he said there are only 6 of them. I’m just wondering that how common it is for them to find our accommodation? I think it's fairly common that they offer you your pred's place, but given that you don't have one it'd be hard to say for certain. My guess is that they'd help you find accommodation, but maybe given that CIRs have a grasp of Japanese that isn't expected of ALTs there might also be a chance to leave you to fend for yourself? Maybe to put your mind at ease a little you could browse some online real estate agents for your city before hand? However, you could also contact your CO directly if they've already contacted you and ask about the accommodation situation. Thank you! I will just ask them when I receive more information from them. |
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Post by thelatter on May 27, 2019 10:41:44 GMT 9
I got in as a shortlist. I asked for Chiba shi, Yokohama shi and Kyoto shi. I got matsudo shi, Chiba ken. It’s very very close to my first preference. I have already received an email from my CO and it seems that I don’t really have a pred. One of the Japanese staffs sent me the email and he said there are only 6 of them. I’m just wondering that how common it is for them to find our accommodation? I haven't heard of many situations in which the CIR has to look for their own housing.
Allowing the CIR to choose where they live causes a lot of headaches for the CO and, more often than not, they'd rather choose the place for you (and sometimes sign the rental agreement) to avoid all of the trouble of having to find a new place if they decide to continue hiring CIRs, keep you from needing a car (if you live in an area with decent public transport), keep transport costs low (if they decide to cover it for you), and a bunch of other "problems."
In my case, my apartment is under the mayor's name but I pay for the rent and signed something stating that I will be living in it. My grand-predecessor moved from an apartment that was used by the CIR since the early 2000s, and, from what I heard, they made quite a big stink out of it. They do not like having to look for a new place to house the CIR.
In short, contact your CO (or let them contact you) about your housing before looking for a place. They might already have one prepared or are currently lookin for one for you.
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Iris
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 12
CIR Experience: 2nd year
Location: Chiba
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by Iris on May 27, 2019 10:44:05 GMT 9
I got in as a shortlist. I asked for Chiba shi, Yokohama shi and Kyoto shi. I got matsudo shi, Chiba ken. It’s very very close to my first preference. I have already received an email from my CO and it seems that I don’t really have a pred. One of the Japanese staffs sent me the email and he said there are only 6 of them. I’m just wondering that how common it is for them to find our accommodation? I haven't heard of many situations in which the CIR has to look for their own housing.
Allowing the CIR to choose where they live causes a lot of headaches for the CO and, more often than not, they'd rather choose the place for you (and sometimes sign the rental agreement) to avoid all of the trouble of having to find a new place if they decide to continue hiring CIRs, keep you from needing a car (if you live in an area with decent public transport), keep transport costs low (if they decide to cover it for you), and a bunch of other "problems."
In my case, my apartment is under the mayor's name but I pay for the rent and signed something stating that I will be living in it. My grand-predecessor moved from an apartment that was used by the CIR since the early 2000s, and, from what I heard, they made quite a big stink out of it. They do not like having to look for a new place to house the CIR.
In short, contact your CO (or let them contact you) about your housing before looking for a place. They might already have one prepared or are currently lookin for one for you.
Thank you! That’s reassuring! |
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Post by thelatter on May 27, 2019 10:48:11 GMT 9
Iris No problem. It is not in their best interest to leave it up to you as it will create a treasure trove of problems for them to solve. The worst thing I've heard is that some incoming CIRs have to buy all their own furniture when they arrive, including washing machine, fridge, tables, chairs...the works. There are ALTs that have to do this too, so it's more common than one would think. Hopefully they're "benevolent" enough to give you some of that stuff so you don't break the bank as soon as you step foot in Japan.
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acouplefruits
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 21
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Sudachi Land
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by acouplefruits on Jun 5, 2019 4:20:00 GMT 9
Hi all, I just received the first email from my CO with very little information, it was essentially "sorry for keeping you waiting but we'll give you more info later." So I recognize that all I can do is wait for the next communication from them, but I have one question.
Does anyone work in, or know another CIR who works in, the international sports exchange department? This is presumably my department as the woman who emailed me works there, but I've never heard of CIRs working in this department before. Frankly, as someone with no interest in sports whatsoever, it was pretty disappointing to say the least. If anyone knows more about this I'd love to hear it while I'm stuck waiting for more info!
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Jun 5, 2019 9:40:27 GMT 9
acouplefruits I know vaguely of people who work in such departments, and usually, they're hired because their CO is going to host one of the Olympic teams. Unfortunately, I don't really know much more.
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acouplefruits
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 21
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Sudachi Land
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by acouplefruits on Jun 6, 2019 1:51:34 GMT 9
Aya Raincoat thank you for your response!! Even that is helpful!
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Jun 7, 2019 17:04:22 GMT 9
Hi all, I just received the first email from my CO with very little information, it was essentially "sorry for keeping you waiting but we'll give you more info later." So I recognize that all I can do is wait for the next communication from them, but I have one question. Does anyone work in, or know another CIR who works in, the international sports exchange department? This is presumably my department as the woman who emailed me works there, but I've never heard of CIRs working in this department before. Frankly, as someone with no interest in sports whatsoever, it was pretty disappointing to say the least. If anyone knows more about this I'd love to hear it while I'm stuck waiting for more info! I think the fellow British CIR in the town near me (Oita City) works in what must be the KENCHOU's International Sports Exchange Department (which, like the similar department in my city hall, is currently more like a rugby department due to the Rugby World Cup being this autumn)
She seems to always be very busy (not to worry you, just a heads up) but also gets to do a lot of ATTENDO with any visitors (though this also involves a lot of interpreting) and go to cool events, so it could be a more interesting place to work than you think? I hope that's the case anyway ^^;;
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acouplefruits
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 21
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Sudachi Land
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by acouplefruits on Jun 8, 2019 1:45:26 GMT 9
Hi all, I just received the first email from my CO with very little information, it was essentially "sorry for keeping you waiting but we'll give you more info later." So I recognize that all I can do is wait for the next communication from them, but I have one question. Does anyone work in, or know another CIR who works in, the international sports exchange department? This is presumably my department as the woman who emailed me works there, but I've never heard of CIRs working in this department before. Frankly, as someone with no interest in sports whatsoever, it was pretty disappointing to say the least. If anyone knows more about this I'd love to hear it while I'm stuck waiting for more info! I think the fellow British CIR in the town near me (Oita City) works in what must be the KENCHOU's International Sports Exchange Department (which, like the similar department in my city hall, is currently more like a rugby department due to the Rugby World Cup being this autumn)
She seems to always be very busy (not to worry you, just a heads up) but also gets to do a lot of ATTENDO with any visitors (though this also involves a lot of interpreting) and go to cool events, so it could be a more interesting place to work than you think? I hope that's the case anyway ^^;;
Thanks for your input  I'm hoping that's the case! I'm keeping my head up and hoping for the best! |
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Post by Leilo on Jun 11, 2019 14:38:36 GMT 9
I think the fellow British CIR in the town near me (Oita City) works in what must be the KENCHOU's International Sports Exchange Department (which, like the similar department in my city hall, is currently more like a rugby department due to the Rugby World Cup being this autumn)
She seems to always be very busy (not to worry you, just a heads up) but also gets to do a lot of ATTENDO with any visitors (though this also involves a lot of interpreting) and go to cool events, so it could be a more interesting place to work than you think? I hope that's the case anyway ^^;;
Thanks for your input :) I'm hoping that's the case! I'm keeping my head up and hoping for the best! I agree it sounds like a fun department to be in. I'd try researching about your placement and sports. For example, there are many cities which are being host towns for certain countries in relation to the Olympics. So athletes from certain countries will come and stay in those places for a while and do exchange with locals. My city will have American track athletes come when the Olympics end, and play with local children and teach them about track etc. |
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Post by wapiko on Jun 11, 2019 16:45:38 GMT 9
Hi all, I just received the first email from my CO with very little information, it was essentially "sorry for keeping you waiting but we'll give you more info later." So I recognize that all I can do is wait for the next communication from them, but I have one question. Does anyone work in, or know another CIR who works in, the international sports exchange department? This is presumably my department as the woman who emailed me works there, but I've never heard of CIRs working in this department before. Frankly, as someone with no interest in sports whatsoever, it was pretty disappointing to say the least. If anyone knows more about this I'd love to hear it while I'm stuck waiting for more info! My CCIR works in the Sports Promotion Department but that covers local in addition to international (we're a host town for his home country). He does a lot of work with his home country's embassy in Tokyo, like working as the liaison for them and he brings in artists and other promotional goods. With as hard as he works to promote it here I'm surprised we're not a sister city tbh. My Cat Lady Coworker got transferred into that department too and I don't imagine she has much interest in sports (as do I, so I feel you) but I imagine you'd just be translating stuff regarding it....? Like I said though, I feel you. I inherited a basketball tournament that I still have little interest in at the very foundation of it, but the event as a whole is REALLY fun, as is the party we do afterward to celebrate the ending of it. I hope you get a silver lining like I have! |
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Post by wapiko on Jun 15, 2019 16:45:08 GMT 9
Ah jeez, sorry for double posting.
I just want to say do not underestimate the useful things you can find at the 100yen stores here. For example, the sole started to come off the bottom off my boot one day and when I started investigating online for shoe glue, an image came up for a bottle at DAISO. I was shocked. It's worked pretty well too!
Also I bought a rug that was super slippery so in order to not break my neck I found a runner-size anti-slip mat that I put underneath (had to size it a bit) and I'm quite pleased.
I think you can easily outfit an empty apartment with stuff from both Daiso and Seria! Maybe not things like bedsheets/beds and tables, but almost eeeeverything else.
I should also note for Americans (I can't speak to other countries) - if you aren't familiar with 100en stores, the quality is MUCH better than somewhere like Dollar Tree or Family Dollar. No stigma either.
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Jun 15, 2019 17:21:24 GMT 9
Ah jeez, sorry for double posting. I just want to say do not underestimate the useful things you can find at the 100yen stores here. For example, the sole started to come off the bottom off my boot one day and when I started investigating online for shoe glue, an image came up for a bottle at DAISO. I was shocked. It's worked pretty well too! Also I bought a rug that was super slippery so in order to not break my neck I found a runner-size anti-slip mat that I put underneath (had to size it a bit) and I'm quite pleased. I think you can easily outfit an empty apartment with stuff from both Daiso and Seria! Maybe not things like bedsheets/beds and tables, but almost eeeeverything else. I should also note for Americans (I can't speak to other countries) - if you aren't familiar with 100en stores, the quality is MUCH better than somewhere like Dollar Tree or Family Dollar. No stigma either. I can totally second this. My current house is living proof of how cheap and good Daiso and Seria are. I can't really remember everything I bought, but I think I got well over a couple of 万s worth of 100~700yen goods when I first moved in. But some stuff from the top of my memory include drain hair catchers, sponges, racks, hell lot of cutlery (that are dishwasher hulemdoly!), cup holders, brooms, cushion (that turns into a small blanket!), light bulb! and storage boxes. |
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Post by wapiko on Jun 15, 2019 17:32:30 GMT 9
Ah jeez, sorry for double posting. I just want to say do not underestimate the useful things you can find at the 100yen stores here. For example, the sole started to come off the bottom off my boot one day and when I started investigating online for shoe glue, an image came up for a bottle at DAISO. I was shocked. It's worked pretty well too! Also I bought a rug that was super slippery so in order to not break my neck I found a runner-size anti-slip mat that I put underneath (had to size it a bit) and I'm quite pleased. I think you can easily outfit an empty apartment with stuff from both Daiso and Seria! Maybe not things like bedsheets/beds and tables, but almost eeeeverything else. I should also note for Americans (I can't speak to other countries) - if you aren't familiar with 100en stores, the quality is MUCH better than somewhere like Dollar Tree or Family Dollar. No stigma either. I can totally second this. My current house is living proof of how cheap and good Daiso and Seria are. I can't really remember everything I bought, but I think I got well over a couple of 万s worth of 100~700yen goods when I first moved in. But some stuff from the top of my memory include drain hair catchers, sponges, racks, hell lot of cutlery (that are dishwasher hulemdoly!), cup holders, brooms, cushion (that turns into a small blanket!), light bulb! and storage boxes. hold the fuck up You have a DISHWASHER!?!??!?!?! But yeah the cutlery I have gotten from these places is also nice! |
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acouplefruits
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 21
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Sudachi Land
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by acouplefruits on Jun 17, 2019 10:47:08 GMT 9
As an update for anyone who may have been curious: it turns out my work in the International Sports Exchange Department will be mainly focused on interpreting and translating for international sports teams who want to set up training camps in my area in lead up to some major sports events including the Olympics. Possible business trips abroad as well so... I'm much more excited now with this information! |
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Post by Psychic Pug on Jun 17, 2019 11:11:11 GMT 9
As an update for anyone who may have been curious: it turns out my work in the International Sports Exchange Department will be mainly focused on interpreting and translating for international sports teams who want to set up training camps in my area in lead up to some major sports events including the Olympics. Possible business trips abroad as well so... I'm much more excited now with this information! do you think it's ok to ask them what you'll be doing after the Olympics? XD |
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Post by hohoEMIsen on Jun 17, 2019 11:25:14 GMT 9
I can totally second this. My current house is living proof of how cheap and good Daiso and Seria are. I can't really remember everything I bought, but I think I got well over a couple of 万s worth of 100~700yen goods when I first moved in. But some stuff from the top of my memory include drain hair catchers, sponges, racks, hell lot of cutlery (that are dishwasher hulemdoly!), cup holders, brooms, cushion (that turns into a small blanket!), light bulb! and storage boxes. hold the fuck up You have a DISHWASHER!?!??!?!?! But yeah the cutlery I have gotten from these places is also nice! hue. You can get one too if you don't mind the investment. This is the one I bought → panasonic.jp/dish/product/NP-TH2.htmlI quite highly recommend it. |
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Post by wapiko on Jun 17, 2019 14:12:25 GMT 9
hold the fuck up You have a DISHWASHER!?!??!?!?! But yeah the cutlery I have gotten from these places is also nice! hue. You can get one too if you don't mind the investment. This is the one I bought → panasonic.jp/dish/product/NP-TH2.htmlI quite highly recommend it. Oh sweet Jesus I would totally do it |
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Post by Sparkles on Jun 17, 2019 14:22:10 GMT 9
I wanted a dishwasher and my flemdo leaving Japan was totally gonna sell me hers for cheap until we realized my sink didn't have any of the possible necessary attachments to get water into it so I had to AKILAMELU 泣く泣く
however since I do have a clothes dryer and a couch I must be forever grateful
related to the previous topic but I also 100% endorse 100en stuff here, Daiso has saved my life so many times
also if you buy 7000+ en worth of stuff online at Nitori in one go, the shipping is free
secondhand shops are also great! generally good quality etc, but sometimes you have to transport the stuff yourself (and as someone who doesn't have a car and can't drive anyway, it's difficult for me to use them)
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Post by Psychic Pug on Jun 17, 2019 14:27:20 GMT 9
I wanted a dishwasher and my flemdo leaving Japan was totally gonna sell me hers for cheap until we realized my sink didn't have any of the possible necessary attachments to get water into it so I had to AKILAMELU 泣く泣く however since I do have a clothes dryer and a couch I must be forever grateful related to the previous topic but I also 100% endorse 100en stuff here, Daiso has saved my life so many times also if you buy 7000+ en worth of stuff online at Nitori in one go, the shipping is free secondhand shops are also great! generally good quality etc, but sometimes you have to transport the stuff yourself (and as someone who doesn't have a car and can't drive anyway, it's difficult for me to use them) I wanna treat myself to a washing machine that uses hot water. My clothes smell clean but they don't feel clean (ಠ_ಠ) |
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Post by frooperyfroop on Jun 17, 2019 15:28:09 GMT 9
I wanna treat myself to a washing machine that uses hot water. My clothes smell clean but they don't feel clean (ಠ_ಠ) THIS. If I have to buy a washing machine for my next apartment I definitely am going to get one with a hot water wash option too. I still don't understand why the norm in Japan is to not have one... |
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Post by Psychic Pug on Jun 17, 2019 15:31:56 GMT 9
I wanna treat myself to a washing machine that uses hot water. My clothes smell clean but they don't feel clean (ಠ_ಠ) THIS. If I have to buy a washing machine for my next apartment I definitely am going to get one with a hot water wash option too. I still don't understand why the norm in Japan is to not have one... I was looking up washing machines with hot water and there was this blog who talked about how this was actually mentioned in a variety show here. The celebs were shocked at how hot water is so much better >.< |
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Post by long johnson on Jun 18, 2019 14:14:30 GMT 9
THIS. If I have to buy a washing machine for my next apartment I definitely am going to get one with a hot water wash option too. I still don't understand why the norm in Japan is to not have one... I was looking up washing machines with hot water and there was this blog who talked about how this was actually mentioned in a variety show here. The celebs were shocked at how hot water is so much better >.< how is japan so...behind. hue. |
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Post by Ham on Jun 21, 2019 12:11:44 GMT 9
Oh, yeah, btw, is anyone here going to be in Group B?
If you are, I'll be at your senpai panel. YOLOSIK
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acouplefruits
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 21
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Sudachi Land
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by acouplefruits on Jun 22, 2019 1:30:45 GMT 9
As an update for anyone who may have been curious: it turns out my work in the International Sports Exchange Department will be mainly focused on interpreting and translating for international sports teams who want to set up training camps in my area in lead up to some major sports events including the Olympics. Possible business trips abroad as well so... I'm much more excited now with this information! do you think it's ok to ask them what you'll be doing after the Olympics? XD Fair question hue. They mentioned the World Master's Games in 2021 but uhhh.. after that.... who knows LMAO |
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acouplefruits
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 21
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Sudachi Land
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by acouplefruits on Jun 22, 2019 1:31:11 GMT 9
Oh, yeah, btw, is anyone here going to be in Group B? If you are, I'll be at your senpai panel. YOLOSIK Group B here!! |
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Occultkitty
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 7 
CIR Experience: 2nd year
Location: Hokkaido
Gender (Pronouns): meh. whatever
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Post by Occultkitty on Jun 27, 2019 0:43:13 GMT 9
Anyone else not heard anything from their CO yet? I'm starting to feel forgotten about...  |
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Post by Dee on Jun 27, 2019 14:22:58 GMT 9
Anyone else not heard anything from their CO yet? I'm starting to feel forgotten about... If you're coming into the 道庁, they are probably pretty busy at the moment. Hokkaido is getting a new PA and there's a large number of new JETs coming in as well. Hope you hear from your CO soon tho. Maybe give it until July? |
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Occultkitty
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 7
CIR Experience: 2nd year
Location: Hokkaido
Gender (Pronouns): meh. whatever
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Post by Occultkitty on Jun 27, 2019 16:55:29 GMT 9
Anyone else not heard anything from their CO yet? I'm starting to feel forgotten about... If you're coming into the 道庁, they are probably pretty busy at the moment. Hokkaido is getting a new PA and there's a large number of new JETs coming in as well. Hope you hear from your CO soon tho. Maybe give it until July? I see! Though I still don't really know where I'm gonna be placed, which is the most frustrating thing... I was thinking of emailing the UK JET office if I haven't heard anything by the end of next week. They'll probably just tell me it's too early to worry about it  , but no harm in emailing I guess! |
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I'm hoping that's the case! I'm keeping my head up and hoping for the best!
, but no harm in emailing I guess!